Join working groups to revise Chain of Custody Standards

FSC has opened the call for applications to join a working group to revise chain of custody standards based on results from the conceptual consultation. Apply from 11 December to 31 January 2025.

Composition of working groups

After the conceptual phase consultation, FSC has developed a Terms of Reference to define the work and composition of working groups to support the next phase of this revision. FSC will establish four working groups focusing on:

1. Core working group: Review and revise the main chain of custody certification and evaluations requirements, FSC-STD-40-004 & FSC-STD-20-011

(Suggested applicants:  Chain of custody experts from different stakeholder groups such as certificate holders, consultants and certification bodies, 5 members)

2. Worker’s rights: review and revise core labour requirements and implement relevant motions

(Suggested applicants:  Certificate holders, NGOs, workers’ rights experts, consultants, workers’ organizations and experts in social auditing, 3 members)

3. Reclaimed material: review and revise the requirements for reclaimed material and explore inclusion of other circularity topics

(Suggested applicants: Life cycle assessment experts, circularity topics experts, consultants and certification bodies, 3 members)

4. Group and multisite: review and revise the requirements for chain of custody group and multisite certification

(Suggested applicants:  CoC group managers, consultants and certification bodies, 3 members)

These working groups are open to all, and interested parties are welcome to apply for any working group. For the selection of these 14 positions, FSC will consider candidates’ expertise in Chain of Custody Certification, auditing, workers’ rights, circularity and more. Download overview of working group composition here.

How to apply

Interested candidates can apply until 31 January 2025 and FSC encourages individuals with diverse gender identities, cultural backgrounds, nationalities, and organizational experiences to apply for membership in our standards group. Apply to join these working groups and identify your preferred workstreams by filling out this form.

Revision process background
FSC is revising its chain of custody standards as a joint revision process. For the first time, all six chain of custody standards are being revised, including:

• FSC-STD-40-004 Chain of Custody Certification
• FSC-STD-40-003 Chain of Custody Certification of Multiple Sites
• FSC-PRO-40-003 Development of National Group Chain of Custody Eligibility Criteria
• FSC-STD-40-007 Sourcing reclaimed material for use in FSC Product Groups or FSC Certified Projects
• FSC-PRO-20-001 Evaluation of the organization's commitment to FSC Values and occupational health and safety in the Chain of Custody; and
• FSC-STD-20-011 Chain of Custody Evaluations

Learn more about the conceptual phase

FSC has finalized the results of the conceptual phase consultation and gathered the proposals in Chain of Custody Conceptual Phase report. To review the proposals, consultation report, access the conceptual phase material and read the Terms of Reference, please visit Chain of Custody Revision page.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at chainofcustody@fsc.org.